Robotic Process Automation and Employee Outcomes: A Quantitative Study of Role Changes, Work-Life Balance, and Job Opportunity

Abstract

This study investigates employees’ perceptions of the impact of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) on their roles, work-life balance, and job opportunities in a Thai state enterprise. The study employed a quantitative approach, collecting data from 171 employees who experienced RPA implementation using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Paired Samples t-test. The findings revealed significant differences in employees’ perceptions of role changes and work-life balance before and after RPA implementation. Employees reported increased assignment of challenging and skill-intensive tasks, as well as improved work-life balance, particularly in terms of reduced overtime work and better physical and mental health. However, no significant difference was found in employees’ perceptions of threatening job opportunities. The study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the impact of RPA on employees in a developing country context and offers practical recommendations for organizations to manage the workforce implications of automation. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of RPA on employee outcomes and explore the generalizability of the findings to other industries and cultural contexts.